Shanghai's Hidden Gem: Xujiahui's BEST Hotel? (Hanting Hotel Review)
Shanghai's "Hidden Gem" EXPOSED: My HONEST Hanting Hotel Xujiahui Review (Buckle Up!)
Okay, people. Let’s talk about the Hanting Hotel in Xujiahui, Shanghai. I’m not sure if it’s a hidden gem, because, well, it's a Hanting. But is it the BEST? That’s what we’re here to find out. Forget the polished travel blogs – this is real talk, folks. I'm talking accessibility, the questionable coffee, the mystery of the "Asian breakfast"… and whether or not I actually slept well.
First Impressions (and My Own Disaster Zone):
Finding the Hanting in Xujiahui was surprisingly easy, which, after navigating Shanghai's public transport, felt like a small victory. Accessibility-wise, it's decent. The elevator, which, is essential. No ramps that i could see. The exterior wasn't terribly inspiring, but hey, I wasn’t expecting a fairytale castle. This is Shanghai, and you're here to experience the city, not the architecture of the hotel itself.
Rooms: Clean Enough, but…
My room? Functional. Honestly, that's the best word. Let's get the basics covered:
- Cleanliness & Safety: The room felt clean, which gave me some relief. They claim thorough cleaning (and probably actually did, for the most part), but with all the travel restrictions in Shanghai, I spent a lot of time wiping down surfaces anyway. Thankfully, the provided toiletries were individually wrapped, a small but essential comfort.
- Amenities: The free Wi-Fi was a godsend, and it actually worked. The air conditioning fought valiantly against the Shanghai humidity, although I'm not sure who won the battle in the end.
- The Bed: The bed… well, it was a bed. Perfectly adequate. Not cloud-like, not lumpy – just a bed. I'll take it. The blackout curtains did a good job of keeping out the city's relentless light pollution.
- The "Details": I appreciated the basics like a desk, a refrigerator, and a safe-box. The room came with things you expect like shower and towels.
But here comes the "but"… My room had a little mold around the air vent, which really killed the good vibes. Like, not a lot, but enough to make me question… well, everything. I could have asked for a new room, but I'm also a lazy traveler who gets awkward asking for things. So, I just dealt. Don't be me. If there's a problem, say something!
Accessibility & Mobility Stuff:
- Wheelchair Accessible? I'm not in a wheelchair, but it looked like the elevators were wide enough and I saw a lot of options for easy check in. There's a lot of room around the hotel, so you have a great space to move around.
- Other Accessibility: The hotel seemed okay for most needs.
Eating & Drinking: The Culinary Adventure (or Lack Thereof):
Okay, this is where things get… interesting. Let's break it down, shall we?
- Breakfast (oh, the breakfast): I opted for the "Asian Breakfast" - and now have some questions. The description was vague, and the actual setup was a bit of an adventure. There were some noodles of some kind, a sad-looking salad bar, some soy milk, and some hard-boiled eggs that I think were from the day before. The "Asian breakfast" was not the highlight of my stay, and honestly, I ended up grabbing a croissant and coffee from a nearby bakery the next day. Pro Tip: Don't expect Michelin-Star dining.
- Other Options: I'm not sure there was a bar, or a restaurant that did anything fancy, but it's Shanghai! There's food delivery and there are so many dining options a short walk away.
Amenities & Services (The Good, the Less Good, and the Just Plain Odd):
- Fitness Center: There was. I looked in. From the outside. It did not look particularly inviting. I don’t know.
- Spa? Sauna? Pool with a View?: Nope, nope, and definitely nope. This is a budget hotel, people. Temper your expectations.
- Services: The staff, while perfectly courteous, had limited English. The 24-hour front desk was a plus. Contactless check-in/out was fine, I guess. Room service was a no-go or just wasn't offered, I'm not sure.
- Things to do: The hotel itself? Not much beyond sleeping. The location, however, is gold. Xujiahui is packed with shops, restaurants, and easy access to the metro.
- Security: I saw CCTV cameras, so, at least, the hotel is concerned with your safety.
Cleanliness and safety:
- Anti-viral cleaning products? I would assume, but I didn't see them spraying anything.
- Hand sanitizer? Yes, there were pumps in the lobby.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter?: Not always, but people seemed to be trying.
- Staff trained in safety protocol?: Probably, they had on masks.
The Bottom Line (and a bit of Rant):
Look, the Hanting Hotel in Xujiahui is not the Ritz Carlton. It’s not going to wow you with luxurious amenities or gourmet dining. It’s basic. It’s functional. And in Shanghai’s crazy landscape, it does the job of offering a cheap place to stay.
My emotional reaction? Somewhere between a shrug and a sigh of relief. It wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t amazing. I'd stay there again if I was on a budget and needed a place to sleep, but I wouldn't exactly recommend it to my friends unless they are really looking to save some money.
My Advice? Manage your expectations. Embrace the chaos of Shanghai. And maybe pack your own snacks.
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is… well, it's my attempt to survive Shanghai, specifically Hanting Hotel Xujiahui, and maybe, just maybe, have a somewhat enjoyable time in the process. Prepare for the emotional rollercoaster that is me, traveling.
Shanghai Shenanigans: A Rambling, Impulsive, Possibly Sleep-Deprived Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Jet Lag's Grimy Embrace (Plus Unexpected Dumplings)
Morning (or what passes for it after a transatlantic flight): Landing in Pudong. The sheer scale of the airport is already intimidating. I swear I walked for a solid hour just to get to customs. And then, the line. The endless, soul-crushing line. The feeling of everyone, at once, is in a line I do not fully understand.
- Anecdote Alert: Okay, here's the thing. They handed out these little paper things with numbers. I lost mine. Panicked, looked utterly lost. A very kind (and beautiful) Chinese woman, probably in her early 20s, saw my flailing and just… waved me to the front. Seriously, angel! I need a translator app just to properly say thank you.
Afternoon: Transport & Hotel Hell? (Hopeful): The train ride to Xujiahui was… efficient. Clean, even. Shanghai's got its act together, I'll give them that. The Hanting Hotel is… well, it's Hanting. Small. Clean-ish. Functionally beige. I'm trying to stay optimistic, but the room smells faintly of… something. Let's call it "international air conditioning."
- Quirky Observation: The bed is suspiciously firm. I’m convinced they’re all secretly futons. I'll probably wake up feeling like I wrestled a concrete slab.
- Emotional Reaction: (Sigh). Jet lag is kicking in. Everything feels slightly unreal. I'm already questioning whether I'll be able to eat another dumpling.
Evening: Dumpling Devour & Street Food Savior (or Maybe Not): Desperate for food, wandered blindly out of the hotel. Found a tiny, brightly lit dumpling shop. Glorious! Ordered everything on the menu (mostly pork and vegetable). The steam was practically heavenly, the dumplings were juicy and perfectly seasoned. The whole experience nearly brought me to happy tears.
- Opinionated Language: You HAVE to find a dumpling place. I'm actually really happy I decided to follow my nose.
- Minor Category Dump: Okay, so I got a SIM card at the airport. Translation apps are a lifesaver. Found a 7-Eleven nearby – instant comfort. Toothpaste. I need more water. Laundry service? Probably.
Night: The Struggle is Real: Sleep? Nope. Wide awake, staring at the ceiling. Jet lag is a monstrous beast. Scrolling through Instagram, staring at pictures of home. Contemplating the complete and utter futility of my life choices.
Day 2: Temple Tactics, Tea Temptations & Shopping Spree Shenanigans
Morning: Finally, some sleep! Woke up feeling vaguely human. Headed to the Longhua Temple. Absolutely stunning, even through my bleary eyes. The incense, the chanting… genuinely moving. The sheer amount of gold is a little overwhelming.
- Rambling Section: I took some pictures, but I'm not sure they'll do it justice. The scale of everything truly is unbelievable. I wish I had more time to sit and really soak it in, but I'm already itching to move on. This is an attitude I have about everything.
Afternoon: Tea Time & The Bargain Hunt: Found a traditional tea house. The ceremony was fascinating. The tea itself? Bitter. But the atmosphere was lovely. After some quick Google research, I wandered into a nearby shopping district.
- Emotional Reaction: Okay, maybe I went a little overboard. I probably now owe someone a bag with a whole bunch of clothing and accessories, but I couldn't help myself! The markets are insane! I got a purse, a watch, and a painting. All probably fake, but who cares?
Evening: Massage Mania & a Pizza Pilgrimage (A+ food combo): Booked a massage (another reason to love this city). Heavenly! Walked back to the hotel, feeling like a limp noodle.
- Messier Structure & Imperfections: I’m already exhausted and only two days in! I'm pretty sure I misread my schedule and missed a museum visit, but honestly, I'm too tired to care. This is what happens when you don't plan anything.
Night: A Pizza Quest: Found a pizza place that was getting a lot of hype. The pizza was good. The beer was cold. The world was momentarily perfect.
Day 3: Bund-ling, Bazaar Bargains, and Departure Dread
- Morning: The Bund. Iconic. Overcrowded. But, you know, worth it. Spent a few hours taking in the view. Absolutely breathtaking. Now I can understand why so many people come to this city.
- Afternoon: Local Market Delights: Walked around the local market. Bought a bunch of random things that I'll probably never use, but had to have. This is the chaos I thrive in.
- Evening: Last Supper and a Goodbye Glimpse: One last meal at that dumpling place. It was the perfect way to finish it all off.
- Night: To The Airport! So long Shanghai. I'm sure I'll be back, but in the meantime, I'm going home.
Final Thoughts:
Shanghai is a whirlwind. A beautiful, chaotic, exhausting whirlwind. There were moments of pure joy, moments of absolute frustration, and a whole lot of delicious dumplings somewhere in between. Would I come back? Absolutely. But next time, I'm bringing a translator, a better sense of direction, and maybe a therapist.
P.S. I still don't know what that smell in the hotel room was. Maybe I don't want to know.
P.P.S. Did I mention they don't offer room service? Next time, I'm bringing my own food.
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Xujiahui's "Hidden Gem" Hotel - Hanting Hotel Review: The Unfiltered Truth (and Why I Need a Nap)
Q: Is Hanting Hotel really a "hidden gem" in Xujiahui? (The Clickbait Question)
A: Well, "gem" is doing some serious heavy lifting here. It's more like a... reliable, slightly-under-the-radar option. Let's be real, it's not the Ritz. But for the price? Yeah, it'll do. I mean, it's not *terrible*. Mostly. Some days... it felt a little like living in a very efficient, slightly-smelly box. Look, I'm just saying, manage your expectations.
The marketing does that *thing* you know? Where they're all like, "Secret! Undiscovered! Authentic Shanghai!" And you're thinking, "Okay, yeah, and the secret ingredient is… budget-friendly practicality?" It's clean, it's close to the metro (a HUGE win, seriously), and my wallet didn’t weep afterwards. So… gem-adjacent? Maybe.
Q: What's the best thing about Hanting Hotel?
A: The location, hands down. Xujiahui is a shopping and metro paradise. Need to be near the malls? You're golden. Want to zoom around Shanghai? You have multiple metro lines at your disposal. Forget about being stuck in traffic; I was practically a ninja getting around.
I'm talking *right* there. Walk out, bam, everything. This is HUGE, especially if you're like me and have the navigational skills of a bewildered goldfish in a shopping mall. I mean, seriously, I once got lost trying to find my own hotel room. But the *location*, the hotel's savior. That was easy.
Q: And the worst? Don't sugarcoat it.
A: The noise. Oh, the noise. Thin walls, late-night karaoke from the apartment next door (seriously, they were *good* singers though, I’ll give them that… but at 2 AM? Not so much), and the eternally clanging elevator. Bring earplugs. Actual, industrial-strength earplugs. You'll thank me later. Seriously, I swear I heard someone sneeze three walls over. It's like living in a paper house. And the elevator... that thing sounded like a wounded robot.
Also, the breakfast. Let's just say it's… an experience. The buffet was, well, a buffet. I'm not going to trash it unduly, but let's just say it wasn't winning any Michelin stars. I became intimately familiar with the texture of congee. And there was this… thing… that I *think* was supposed to be scrambled eggs. I'm still a little traumatized, to be honest.
Q: Is the room clean?
A: Generally, yes. They're cleaned daily. But… and this is a *but*… there's a certain… "lived-in" feel. It's clean, but it's not sterile. And maybe, just maybe, the air-con filter could use a good scrub. You won't get sick. But it's not the kind of cleanliness you'd see in a five-star place. But considering the price, it's *very* adequate.
Think… the kind of clean your friend’s apartment is after they clean up to have you over. You know. The "we ran the vacuum, swept the crumbs under the rug, and sprayed some air freshener" kind of clean. So, if you’re a total clean freak, prepare yourself. Bring some antibacterial wipes. But if you’re a normal human, you’ll be fine.
Q: What about the staff? Friendly or… not so much?
A: Honestly? It was a mixed bag. Some were lovely and helpful, others… well, they seemed to be working a double shift and were running on fumes. Expect a language barrier. I learned a LOT of Mandarin hand gestures. Smile, be patient, and you should be okay. Being friendly goes a long way, even if you can't quite order a coffee.
There was this one guy at the front desk who was *awesome*. Seriously cheerful, helpful. He helped me figure out the train system, which, trust me, is an Olympic sport. He even helped me book a taxi when I needed to leave. Bless that guy! He deserves a raise, a vacation… and maybe a whole stack of cookies. Then, there was this other person… let's just say the interaction was… brief. And involved me pointing and gesturing. A lot.
